Wilford Woodruff (1807-1898), fourth president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is known for keeping a daily record of his life from shortly after his baptism at Zerah’s hands in 1833 until the end of his life. This record is considered to be one of the most important historical sources for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the 19th Century.
Not surprisingly, Zerah Pulsipher is found in the Wilford Woodruff Journals from time to time. See The Wilford Woodruff Papers Project for more details.
Journal 1 Introduction (Recorded mid-to-late 1834)
From the age of 14 to 23 my mind was often exercised upon the subject of my souls salvation yet without submision [sic] to God or being led by his spirit untill [sic] the age of 23. Then at that age, I resolved by the grace of God assisting me to be led by the spirit and the word of God into that truth which maketh free thereby.
I had no desire to join any of the sectarian Church for I found by compareing [sic] the Churches with the records of divine truth that they were neither contending nor receiving the faith once delivered to the Saints. I could not discover the Church or body of Christ visible among men. I believed the Church of Christ was in the wilderness and that there had been a falling away from the pure and undefiled religion before God. And I was a looking for the Church to arise and again be established upon the foundation of the ancient Apostles and Prophets Christ Jesus the Chief Corner Stone.
After remaining in this state of mind for nearly the term of four years I herd [sic] a report circulating on the 29th day of Dec 1833 that there was to be a meeting held in the neighbourhood by a Mormon priest. This meeting was to be held in the town of Richland Oswego County New York. I had moved two years previous to this from Connecticut to this place, with my older Brother Azmon Woodruff. We had purchased a farm together and been living on it nearly two years. We both were anxious
to attend the meeting.
Accordingly we we went and found a full congregation of people. The person that was to preach was Zerah Pulsipher an elder in the Church of Christ or of the latter day saints. He commence[d] the meeting with some introductory remarks and then prayed I felt the spirit of God to bear witness that he was the servant of God. He then commenced preaching and that to us with authority, and when he had finished his discourse I truly felt that it was the first gospel sermon that I had ever herd I thought it was what I had long been looking for I could not feel it my duty to leave the house without bearing witness to the truth before the people. I opened my eyes to see my ears to hear my heart to understand & my doors to entertain him who had administered unto us.
Brother Pulsipher Continued labouring with us for several days and on the 31st of Dec I with my Brother Azmon Woodruff with two yong females which had been healed by the laying on of hands went forward in baptism. the day following there was several others followed our example among the rest was Noah Hatton a preacher in the freewill Baptist Church and several of the members of his Church followed him in the ordinance of baptism.
And on the 2nd of Jan.ry. 1834 Brother Pulsipher es^s^tablish ed a branch of the Church of Christ in Richland Oswego Co. N.Y. containing twelve members. He ordained Brother Azmon Woodruff & Brother Noah Hatton Elders and myself a teacher in the Church of Christ.
I truly felt that I could exclaim with the servant of God that it was better to be a door keeper in the house of God than to dwell in the tents of wickedness I felt much of the spirit of God bearing witness To the Book of Mormon. I believed it was light out of darkness and truth out of the ground.
The license which I receieved reads thus.
A Power and authority given to Willford Woodruff proving that he is a Teacher in the Church of Christ by the will of God the Father according to his holy Calling and the gift ^& power^ of the Holy ghost agreeable to the Revelations of Jesus Christ signifying that he has been baptized
and receieved into the Church according to the articles and Covenants of the same and ordained under the hand of Zerah Pulsipher.
Given at Richland Janry 2nd AD 183[4]
Zerah Pulsipher
(“Journal (December 29, 1833 – January 3, 1838),” December 31, 1833, The Wilford Woodruff Papers, accessed February 13, 2023, https://wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/p/RPL)
April 1st 1834
I went with Brother Hatton to meet Brother Pulsipher and several other brethren and sisters at Brother Newcomes house in Fabius we had an interesting meeting. the spirit of the Lord was with us we returned home rejoiceing
(“Journal (December 29, 1833 – January 3, 1838),” April 1, 1834, The Wilford Woodruff Papers, accessed February 13, 2023, https://wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/p/WQW)
On the 31 which ^w^as the last day of Dec & of the year 1833 I Joined the Church of Latter Day Saints was Baptized by Elder Zerah Pulsifer on the 31 of Dec 1833 in company with with my Brother Azmon Woodruff we were the two first that was baptized by a latter day saint in Oswego Co NY. I was ordained a Teacher by Elder Pulsifer Jan 2nd 1834
(“Journal (December 29, 1833 – January 3, 1838),” November 27, 1836, The Wilford Woodruff Papers, accessed February 13, 2023, https://wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/p/l7J)
November 16, 1841 ~ Tuesday
16 I run 12 bushels of lime for plastering & rode in company with J. H. Hale 2 1/2 miles on the prairie to Br Zerah Pulsiphers I bought four acres of land of him in section 32 for [FIGURE] $44 dollars I paid him $20 dollars in silver & am to pay him the other $24 dollars in a year the ground is ploughed. I met in the evening with the company owning the land they appointed me to sell some of the land to raise the money to pay Brother Daniel S. Miles part on the land
(“Journal (January 1, 1841 – December 31, 1842),” November 8, 1841 – November 16, 1841, The Wilford Woodruff Papers, accessed February 13, 2023, https://wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/p/Kjn)
November 17, 1841 ~ Wednesday
17th I sold 5 acres of Daniel S. Miles land in section 32 for $10 dollars per acre to Sister Mary Pitt for which she paid me $50 dollars in gold which money I deliverd to Zerah Pulsipher as one of the committee of the company he gave his recept for the same
(“Journal (January 1, 1841 – December 31, 1842),” November 17, 1841 – November 21, 1841, The Wilford Woodruff Papers, accessed February 13, 2023, https://wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/p/Lk4)
January 31, 1842 ~ Monday
31st I paid $200 dollars to Br John Benbow for presiden[t]
Joseph Smith & endorsed it on his note I then left the
friends & rode to Br Pulsiphers dined at his house & returned
to Nauvoo 6 miles (“Journal (January 1, 1841 – December 31, 1842),” January 23, 1842 – January 31, 1842, The Wilford Woodruff Papers, accessed February 13, 2023, https://wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/p/XQk).
March 27, 1842 ~ Sunday
27 ^Sunday^ This was an interesting day. A large assembly met in the grove near the Temple Br Amisa Lyman addressed the assembly & made many interesting remarks.
He was followed by Joseph the Seer who made some edifying remarks concerning baptism for the dead. He said the Bible supported the doctrin, “why are ye baptized for the dead if the dead rise not &c” if their is one word of the Lord that supports the doctrin it is enough to mak[e] it a true doctrin. Again if we can baptize a man in the Name of the Father of the Son & of the Holy Ghost for the remission of sins it is just as much our privilege to act as an agent & be baptized for the remission of sins for & in behalf of our dead kindred who have not herd the gospel or fulness of it.
After meeting closed the congregation again assembled upon the bank of the river & Joseph the seer went into the river & baptized all that came unto him & I considered it my privilege to be baptized for the remission of my sins for I had not been since I first Joined the Church in 1833 I was then baptized under the hands of Elder Zerah Pulsipher therefore I went forth into the river & was Baptized under the hands of JOSEPH THE SEER & likewise did Elder J Taylor & many others & Joseph called upon me to assist him & I did so & went in & Baptized 12, & then Joseph lifted up his hands to heaven & blessed the people & the spirit of God rested upon the congregation we then again repaired to the place of meeting near the Temple & Elder Taylor & myself was confirmed by the laying on of hands we then commenced confirming others who had been baptized I confirmed about 20. Some remarks were made by Gen Bennett & Elder Taylor & the meeting closed.
(“Journal (January 1, 1841 – December 31, 1842),” March 21, 1842 – March 27, 1842, The Wilford Woodruff Papers, accessed February 13, 2023, https://wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/p/ZD5)
April 15, 1846 ~ Wednesday
15th In company with Father and Mother Woodruff And Phebe cousin Betsey Cossett Sister Smoot & others we visited the Temple we all went through each appartment of it from the font in the basement to the ball of the tower And had a view of all Nauvoo & the surrounding country And after taking a view of each Appartment of the Temple we again desended to the ground I rode out on the prairie & sold mr William Allen my lot of land of 12 Acres & 20 of Br Pulsiphers I also sold my House And lot in which I am now living in for $675. I had a vary busy day
(“Journal (January 1, 1845 – December 31, 1846),” April 14, 1846 – April 15, 1846, The Wilford Woodruff Papers, accessed February 14, 2023, https://wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/p/9rOP)
January 19, 1847 ~ Tuesday
189th {The company of Wilford Woodruff was organized this day.}
President Heber C Kimball organized his family company this night at the Council House consisting of about 200 persons
I Wilford Woodruff organized my family company this night at my own house consisting of 40 men mostly head men of families. Those that joined me entered into a covenant with uplifted hands to Heaven to keep all the commandments & statutes of the Lord our God and to sustain me in my office
the following are the nam[es] of those who were present with me in this organization Wilford Woodruff, Aphek Woodruff, John Fowler, Abraham O Smoot, William C. A. Smoot, John Grierson, Chancy W. Porter, John Benbow, Simeon Blanchard, Jacob Burnham, Little John Utley Samuel Turnbow Eligah F. Sheets, Jacob F Secrist, Benjamin Abers, Andrew J Allen, Ezra Clark, Edward Stephvenson, Zerah Pulsipher, John M Wolley Albert Dewey Wm Stewart, Thomas Clark, Hezekiah Peck. being 24 persons in all that were present, the remainder were absent on business.
we dismissed and parted in good spirits & feelings I went to bed and fell asleep and dreamed that I was {[big] with child and} ready to {be delivered} which was a singular dream
(“Journal (January 1, 1847 – December 31, 1853),” January 17, 1847 – January 19, 1847, The Wilford Woodruff Papers, accessed February 14, 2023, https://wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/p/9rj8)
January 26, 1847 ~ Tuesday
26th I spent the day at home & night at Br Pulsipher & had a plesent time in conversing about times in past days
(“Journal (January 1, 1847 – December 31, 1853),” January 22, 1847 – January 26, 1847, The Wilford Woodruff Papers, accessed February 14, 2023, https://wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/p/jRBY)
March 14, 1847 ~ Sunday
14th Sunday I met with our ward & spoke to the people & was followed by Elders Pulsipher, Clapp & Smoot.
(“Journal (January 1, 1847 – December 31, 1853),” March 7, 1847 – March 15, 1847, The Wilford Woodruff Papers, accessed February 15, 2023, https://wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/p/gJPr)
December 12, 1847 ~ Sunday
12th Sunday I preached in our ward at Br Pulsiphers & spent the evening at Br W. Richards
(“Journal (January 1, 1847 – December 31, 1853),” December 10, 1847 – December 21, 1847, The Wilford Woodruff Papers, accessed February 15, 2023, https://wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/p/M8nG)
January 2, 1848 ~ Sunday
2nd Sunday I met with the saints in our ward I addressed them & was followed by Br Pulsipher Br Kington arived from garden grove & spent the night with me
(“Journal (January 1, 1847 – December 31, 1853),” January 1, 1848 – January 11, 1848, The Wilford Woodruff Papers, accessed February 15, 2023, https://wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/p/VOzX)
January 4, 1848 ~ Tuesday
4th President Young was still sick yet we met in Council with him at his room the affairs of Garden groves was talked over & the Twelve nominated Brs Scoval & Groves to go with Br Kington & settle the affair during the evening we had a meeting at the school house Br Kington spoke was followed by Brothers Pulsipher, Porter, & several of the sisters the meeting then closed by a spirited address from W. Woodruff Br Kington spent the night with me
(“Journal (January 1, 1847 – December 31, 1853),” January 1, 1848 – January 11, 1848, The Wilford Woodruff Papers, accessed February 15, 2023, https://wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/p/VOzX)
January 23, 1848 ~ Sunday
23rd Sunday I preached to the saints in my ward was followed by Brs Pulsipher & Porter & we had a good time and in the evening I went to the Council House and met with a large assembly
(“Journal (January 1, 1847 – December 31, 1853),” January 22, 1848 – January 23, 1848, The Wilford Woodruff Papers, accessed February 15, 2023, https://wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/p/YED2)
February 13, 1848 ~ Sunday
13th Sunday It is the most beautiful & warm weather that I ever saw in the winter time. The Camp of of the Saints met at the stand for a meeting to day meeting opened by singing, & prayer by W. Woodruff …
Meeting was dismissed after which in company with Mrs Woodruff I went to Br Pulsiphers and soon Presidents Young & Kimball came & attended to sealing four couple in matrimony, we had a feast of spruice beer & cakes on the occasion
during the evening I attended the meeting of the Seventies being 3 of their presidents present, Joseph Young Z. Pulsipher A. P. Rockwood the House was crouded to excess the meeting was opened by singing & prayer. And was then addressed by A P Rockwood …
Br Pulsipher followed & made many interesting remarks. And he was followed by President Joseph Young who reproved them in the spirit of the Lord
(“Journal (January 1, 1847 – December 31, 1853),” February 9, 1848 – February 13, 1848, The Wilford Woodruff Papers, accessed February 15, 2023, https://wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/p/2klz)
April 6, 1848 ~ Thursday
CONFERENCE
Of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints held at the Log Tabernacle Potawatame County Ioway April 6th 1848 Conference organized at 11 oclok O Hyde appointed President After the organization there was an intermission of one hour
conference then opened by singing and prayer by O Hyde who also addressed the meeting & remarked that a first Presidency had been appointed but wished it sustained by the Conference O Hyde moved that Brigham Young be the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints it was carried unanimously. It was then moved and carried unanimously that Heber C Kimball be his first councellor. It was moved and carried unanimously that Willard Richards be his second councellor
It was moved and carried unanimously that the Church sustain and uphold Orson Hyde, Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor George A Smith, Amasa Lyman Lyman Wight Ezra T. Benson, in there office as members of the quorum of the Twelve.
Moved and carried unanimously that we sustain Joseph Young, Levi Hancock, Henry Herriman Zerah Pulsipher, A. P. Rockwood Benjamin Clapp, Jedadiah M. Grant as Presidents of the Seventies.
Resolved that we sustain Father John Smith as the Partriarch over the whole Church.
President Young made some remarks concerning appointing the first Presidency. the spirit of the Lord has been with us & we know what is right
(“Journal (January 1, 1847 – December 31, 1853),” April 6, 1848, The Wilford Woodruff Papers, accessed February 15, 2023, https://wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/p/lYyM)
May 19, 1848 ~ Friday
19 I was quite unwell to day, rumours have reached us that the Indians had commenced slaughtering the inhabitants of Oregon. Also that the Queen of England had abdicated her throne & had shiped for Canida for Protection. our streets are thronged with waggons on their way for the Horn
I gave a power of Attorney to Z Pulsipher, John Benbow and A. O. Smoot to transact business for me in the valley I assisted John Benbow to pack his waggon he had a full load
^the above report concerning the Queen proved to be incorrect^
(“Journal (January 1, 1847 – December 31, 1853),” May 18, 1848 – May 31, 1848, The Wilford Woodruff Papers, accessed February 15, 2023, https://wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/p/v2M5)
May 20, 1848 ~ Saturday
20th I was near sick with cold on the lungs Br Benbow started on his journey to day & went but little out out of town Br Z Pulsipher went with him & his company. A Steem boat came in and brought about 150 passengers mostly Saints from England among whom was Franklin & Samuel Richards. They also brought the body of Elder Sarine he had been dead about 12 days
(“Journal (January 1, 1847 – December 31, 1853),” May 18, 1848 – May 31, 1848, The Wilford Woodruff Papers, accessed February 15, 2023, https://wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/p/v2M5)
June 2, 1848 ~ Friday
2nd In company with O. Hyde E. T. Benson H. Miller, Scofield Daily, Hickman, & others I rode out to the Horn to see Presidents Young Kimball & the Camp of Israel, we found all had crossed the Horn [Elkhorn River] Lorenzo Snow, & Zera Pulsipher captains of hundred had gone on their Journey with a hundred each. we assertained their were about 600 waggons in all crossed the horn they made a splendid encampment & beautiful sight. their had been 4 burials at the Horn
(“Journal (January 1, 1847 – December 31, 1853),” June 1, 1848 – June 14, 1848, The Wilford Woodruff Papers, accessed February 15, 2023, https://wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/p/wpN8)
January 13, 1849 ~ Saturday
13th I done up A Bundle of papers of 100 or more & sent to President Brigham Young put into A Box of Br A. P. Rockwood which he will take charge of I sent in the same bundle several papers to W. Richards Aphek Woodruff John Benbow A. O. Smoot Z Pulsipher & others
I also wrote a letter to President B. Young concerning
the papers.
(“Journal (January 1, 1847 – December 31, 1853),” January 10, 1849 – January 15, 1849, The Wilford Woodruff Papers, accessed February 14, 2023, https://wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/p/v2wL)
January 12, 1851 ~ Sunday
12th Sunday I met at the Bowery. The meeting was addressed by B. Clapp Z. Pulsipher Major, & President Young. Among other remarks of the President he spoke upon the subject of swareing or takeing the name of God in vain A covenant was made by the whole congregation to put down swareing through out the City & state
President Young remarked that the time might come when the Lord would require him & the Elders of Israel to sharpen up their swords & go fourth & hew down the wicked in their midst He said any righteous man that herdrd any one of his children take the name of God in vain that he might whip them untill he was satisfyed.
(“Journal (January 1, 1847 – December 31, 1853),” January 9, 1851 – January 18, 1851, The Wilford Woodruff Papers, accessed February 14, 2023, https://wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/p/AD7j)
August 25, 1851 ~ Monday
Aug 25th I spent the day in council with my
Brethren & while in the council the mail arived from the States in 20 days from Independance the largest ever recieved about 400 lbs
I received 3 letters one from Azmon one from Thompson & one from Ilus. My Brothers Azmon & Thompson Woodruff informed me in their letters that my Step Mother Azubah Woodruff Died March 20th March 20th 1851 at 7 1/2 oclok P.M. and that that my Brothers Azmons wife Elizabeth Woodruff Died Jan 3rd January 3rd 1851 Both were own sisters by birth I found from Brother Azmons letter that he was in much sorrow he was baptised into the church of Jesus christ of latter day saints with myself the last of Dec in 1833 He was ordained an Elder and myself a teacher in the church under the Hands of Zerah Pulsipher
Elizabeth my Brothers wife with the assistance of the Devil made war on my Brother & soon caused him to leave the church he has been in sorrow ever since with the help of the Lord I now intend to feel after my brethren & bring them here that they may be saved. On my arival home with my letters I called My aged Father into the Room with me & red him the letters from his two oldest sons containing an account of the death of both his own wife & his sons wife he was quite resigned to the providence of God in these things
(“Journal (January 1, 1847 – December 31, 1853),” August 25, 1851, The Wilford Woodruff Papers, accessed February 14, 2023, https://wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/p/jRk4)
September 8, 1851
Z Pulsipher spoke & said I feel thankful to hear the aged Brethren speak & bear their testimony of the Prophet Joseph we have had many revelations let us improve upon them
(“Journal (January 1, 1847 – December 31, 1853),” February 16, 1847, The Wilford Woodruff Papers, accessed February 14, 2023, https://wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/p/rkvL)
October 9, 1851
Afternoon prayer by A Cordon. H. C. Kimball says A Cordon is nominated to be a travelling [Bishop] carried unanimously He was ordained under the hands of HCK John & G A Smith Heber C Kimball sealed upon his head all the keys of the priesthood said the power of God should rest upon his head to preside over other Bishops. Another thing is necessary which will effect the whole world that is a reffermation chose men who are filled with the Holy Ghost to go forth as missionaries to stir up the feelings of the Saints in all these vallies of the Mountains I thank God that we are free Joseph Young D Fulmer & Z Pulsipher was appointed as missionaries
(“Journal (January 1, 1847 – December 31, 1853),” October 9, 1851, The Wilford Woodruff Papers, accessed February 14, 2023, https://wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/p/AD2j)
April 7, 1852
Zera Pulsipher spoke & bore testimy of the work
(“Journal (January 1, 1847 – December 31, 1853),” April 8, 1852, The Wilford Woodruff Papers, accessed February 15, 2023, https://wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/p/kRPv)
February 15, 1853 ~ Tuesday
Feb 15 A meeting of the seventies was called in the Tabernacle the House was filled. The meeting was opened by prayer by Z Pulsipher. J M Grant Arsose & said this meeting is to transact business, preach & teach the people Regulate the diffent quors &c. The Meeting was then addressed by Z Pulsipher who spoke well & made good remaks
(“Journal (January 1, 1847 – December 31, 1853),” February 15, 1853, The Wilford Woodruff Papers, accessed February 15, 2023, https://wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/p/Dko6)
April 9, 1853 ~ Saturday
April 9th Prayer by T Bullock Z Pulsipher spoke of the mob scenes in Missouri Elder O Hyde spoke on the principles of sanctification & blessings of the Almighty giving a parables of a flock of sheep with shepherd dogs
(“Journal (January 1, 1847 – December 31, 1853),” April 8, 1853 – April 16, 1853, The Wilford Woodruff Papers, accessed February 15, 2023, https://wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/p/R6JV)
May 22, 1853 ~ Sunday
22nd Sunday Z Pulsipher addressed the people spoke well was followed by President Kimball who preached excellent Doctrin unto edifycation
(“Journal (January 1, 1847 – December 31, 1853),” April 17, 1853 – May 29, 1853, The Wilford Woodruff Papers, accessed February 15, 2023, https://wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/p/VOjz)
October 23, 1853 ~ Sunday
23rd Sunday Z Pulsipher & Phineas Young addressed the people in the fore part of the day & Brother Kimball in the afternoon
(“Journal (January 1, 1847 – December 31, 1853),” October 2, 1853 – November 12, 1853, The Wilford Woodruff Papers, accessed February 15, 2023, https://wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/p/1wNZ)
February 2, 1855 ~ Friday
Feb 2nd I visited Brother Pulsipher & family in the afternoon &
attended the grammar school in the evening
(“Journal (January 1, 1854 – December 31, 1859),” February 2, 1855 – February 4, 1855, The Wilford Woodruff Papers, accessed February 14, 2023, https://wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/p/vEL)
November 10, 1855 ~ Saturday
10th Saturday we rode to Tooele City to attend the Quarterly conference the people Assembled at 11 oclok meeting opened by singing & Prayer By Brother Lyon. then W Woodruff said I am glad to meet you in the capacity of a quarterly conference & I am glad to have the privileg of meeting with you as a missionary in connextion with so many other missionaries we know it is necessary for you to have the spirit of God in order to be benefited by our teaching & it is necessary for us to have the spirit of God as missionaries [in] order to teach to your edifycation. the Lord has a great deal to communicate to this people for we have much to learn before we are prepared to dwell in the presence of God so I wish you all to get the spirit of God that you may all be edify & that you may by faith draw forth those things from the Lord which it is his will you should obtain through his servants who shall address you. I leave thes remarks with you & give way for Brother Lyon to address you.
Brother John Lyon addressed the people for about one hour I reported his sermon as I did all others who spok during the conference. The conference was held in the tabernacle or large school hous.
The people again assembled at 2 oclock & were addrrsed By Joseph Young by Zerah Pulsipher offered up Prayer
Brother Joseph spoke quite lengthy & we were Edifyed by his teaching he was blessed by the spirit of God
The people again assembled at 6 oclok. Prayer by Brother Harriman Zerah Pulsipher addressed the people & we were all interested in his teachings
Henry Harriman followed & the two occupied the evening till 9 oclok then an appealed case of trial of a sister came up before Bishop Robarry which lasted till midnight much Instruction was given by W. Woodruff & E. T Benson upon principle I spent the night at Brother Kelseys
(“Journal (January 1, 1854 – December 31, 1859),” November 9, 1855 – November 11, 1855, The Wilford Woodruff Papers, accessed February 14, 2023, https://wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/p/qzD)
November 17, 1855 ~ Saturday
17th In company with Orson & Parley Pratt & wife I rode to the city Bountiful to Attend a Quarterly conference. The People assembled at 11 oclock meeting opened by singing & Prayer by Henry Harriman the people were addressed by H. S. Eldridge who compared the faith & blessings of the Ancient Saints with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He spoke to the Edification of the people
He was followed by Zerah Pulsipher who also spoke to the Edifycation of the [blank]
P.M. Meeting opened by Prayer by Elder Orson Pratt & the People were addressed by Henry Harriman & followed by Elder Orson Pratt who spoke at length in the power of God
The People again met 6 oclok in the evening & were addressed By Gilbert Clements the spirit & power of God also rested upon him & all were much Edifyed in what He said. Bishop I. L. Haywood followed & bore testimony to the truth
(“Journal (January 1, 1854 – December 31, 1859),” November 12, 1855 – November 18, 1855, The Wilford Woodruff Papers, accessed February 14, 2023, https://wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/p/rAB)
September 6, 1856 ~ Saturday
6th I spent the fore part of the day in the office on History
I met with Parley P. Pratt and a company of Missionary in the 70s Hall P. P. Pratt W Woodruff Joseph Young Z. Pulsipher A. P. Rockwood & H. S. Eldridge Blessed 24 Missionaries 20 To England & 4
To the states we ordained 2 Elders & one seventy W Woodruff spoke
to the Missionaries a short time & exhorted them to keep a Journal
of their Ministry every day of their lives He said I would advised
you to get all of your blessings written & preserve them.
(“Journal (January 1, 1854 – December 31, 1859),” September 2, 1856 – August 6, 1856, The Wilford Woodruff Papers, accessed February 14, 2023, https://wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/p/954)
October 7, 1856
I met at Early candle light with the seventies & Elders in the Tabernacle the House was nearly Full the First seven presidents were present with Joseph Young presiding. President Joseph Young occupied the fore part of the meeting in transacting the business of the Quorums 70 Quorums were called upon & found to be mostly full.
President J Young then called for a subscription for the Seventies he got but Little
President J M Grant then arose & said I feel that there are some things that greeve me. President Young was asked if it would not be well to send the Presidents of the seventies out He said No they would Preach the people to sleep & then to Hell Now this shows me that the Presidents of the seventies the first seven Presidents are asleep and their is sumthing wrong with them. if this is the case that they would preach the people to sleep & then to Hell Then this body of Counsellors are guilty of Great sins either of omission or Commission & I would advise Joseph Young to cut off his council & drop them & appoint men in his stead who are full of the Holy Ghost & will act with him & assist him.
Now we will take up his council & look at them. Now here is brother Levi Hancock why he will fiddle diddle di fiddle diddle do fiddle diddle dum & tweedle diddle ta. Now he might preach a month & ther would be no more spirit of God in it than their would be in a Cabbage Leaf. Now If you would preach the people to sleep & to Hell you are guilty of some great Henious sins either of commission or omission you have either committed Adultery or some other sins & you ought to be droped.
Here is Brother Harriman now if you will preach the people to sleep & to Hell you are guilty of some great sins either of commission or omission have committed Adultery or some great sins & you ought to be droped. Brother Harriman might preach a month then you might put it all in the Eye of a Cambrick Needle & there would be as much room in it as there would be for a bulfrog in the Atlantic ocean.
Albert P Rockwood if you would preach the people to sleep then to Hell you are asleep dead, & guilty of committing Adultery or some great sins there is no sap in you you are as dry as an old musk rat skin & you ought to be droped.
And Zerah Pulsipher if He would preached the people to sleep & to Hell you are guilty of some abominable sins of commission or omission of committing Adultery or some great sins & ought to be droped & I will say the same of Benjamin Clapp & H. S. Edldridge according to the presidents words they are asleep & ought to be droped.
I think that Brother Joseph ought to Cut them off & prune the trees around him how can the body be kept awake & Healthy when the head is asleep & dead. It has been with great reluctance that I have voted for the presidents of the seventies for a long time And I will say to these seventies if your Presidents have gone to sleep dont you go to sleep. but keep awake. If your Presidency have committed Adultery & done wrong & committed great sins that will damn them dont you do it but wake up.
Is there any man that ins in that council that has been ordained a councellor to Joseph Young if so I do not know it but each man was ordained a president & is under as much obligation as Joseph Young is to magnify his calling & do his duty but they never think of such a thing of taking any burthen upon their shoulders but leave it all for Joseph Young to do & he has to drag them along when I vote for Rockwood, Pulsipher, Harriman & Levi Hancock I do it vary reluctantly, & I have done so for years & now I want to have you to wake up & do yor duty. There is no life spirit sap or Juce in Hancok, Harriman pulsipher, & Rockwood’s preaching, to more than there is in an old mummy. These are the kind of men that are your presidents. And the seventies as a body are as dry & dead as an old chip & you are as tight as the bark of a tree. It is the duty
of the seventies to sustain Brother Joseph Young to furnish him with
food fuel & rament that He may give himself to the work of the ministry who has esstablished the president to take men who were in the battalion to be presidents I would take men who were full of the Holy Ghost I do not care whare the Hell they come from. This is what I want I say again the Presidents of the seventies are asleep and if they do not wake up they should be cut off. He spoke in the power of God & the gift of the Holy Ghost
Levi Hancok followed him & said He had not commit Adultery he never courted any woman but his wife & she courted him. He justified himself in a measure. He was followed by Benjamin Clap who said He had not committed adultery & if he hag [had] gone to sleep he had done it since he came here for he was not asleep when he came home. He intended to serve God with all his heart & was willing to go through this territory with his pack upon his back & preach the gospel. A. P. Rockwood received the chastizement & ment to repent & go into the waters of Baptism as soon as He got a chance
J. M. Grant asked me if I had not sumthing to say that the seventies were under the Twelve. I told him I would like to bear testimony to what He had said. I Arose & said to the people that I wished them not to trifle with the teachings of President Grant for what He had said was true he had shot arrows of the Almighty among the people and if they did not wake up & take the warning & repent of there sins for the day has come when it will not do to trifle with the Things of God nor with his servants who hold the keys of the kingdom & are called to lead us I called upon the Presidents of the seventies & all the seventies to begin this hour to call upon God for the Holy spirit & advised them to stop work & give themselves to prayer untill they could get the spirit of God I had the spirit of God in speaking unto the people I told them I had recorded what Elder Grant had said & I should keep it on record.
I was followed by Joseph Young who spoke well & in a good spirit
(“Journal (January 1, 1854 – December 31, 1859),” October 7, 1856, The Wilford Woodruff Papers, accessed February 14, 2023, https://wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/p/gzZ)
October 19, 1856 ~ Sunday
19th Sunday I spent the fore part of the day in the Historians office in committee with the board of Directors on prepari[ng] matter for the prest. Elder MCarty E. D. Woolley & J. M. Grant In the afternoon President H. C. Kimball J M. Grant F D. Richards & Z Pulsipher occupied the time President Kimball & Grant flung the Arrows of God into the Hearts of the Transgressor the spirit & power of God was upon them I attended the council prayer Circle. At the close of prayers President Young Called upon Bishop Hunter & his Council L. W. Hardy & J. C Little to ordain Frederick Kesler a Bishop in the 16 ward. They laid hands upon him and ordained him. The following is a synopsis of his blessings
Brother Frederick Kesler in the name of Jesus Christ we lay our hands upon your head & we ordain you a High Priest & a Bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints & we seal upon your head all the blessings which have been sealed upon by any of the servants of God in days which are past & gone & we seal upon you all the power Blessings & keys of the High Priesthood & Bishopprick & you shall have power to sustain & comfort the drooping spirits of the people & we seal upon you all the blessings which are needful to sustain you in your calling & every blessing which your heart can Desire in righteousness befor the Lord we seal these blessings upon you in the name of Jesus Christ Amen
(“Journal (January 1, 1854 – December 31, 1859),” October 19, 1856 – October 20, 1856, The Wilford Woodruff Papers, accessed February 15, 2023, https://wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/p/y82W)
November 10, 1856 ~ Monday
I attended the Meeting of the Presidents of the seventies at the 70s Hall President Joseph Young called upon all the first Presidents of the seventies to Pray in ther turn so that He could feel of their spirits
Brother Joseph spoke to the people & then I Prayed & addressed the Presidents of the seventy as they composed the congregation the spirit & power of God rested upon me & while I was speaking President Brigham Young came in when I Closed I was followed by Henry Harriman Levi Hancock Zera Pulsipher & President Brigham Young. He promised the people in the name of Jesus Christ if they would repent & turn from their sins from that hour all their sins should be forgiven them & not remembered against them No more forever either on Earth or in Heaven O what Joy this should give the people for they have nearly all signed [sinned] more or less, my soul was filled with Joy at the teachings presented by President Young
(“Journal (January 1, 1854 – December 31, 1859),” November 11, 1856 – November 13, 1856, The Wilford Woodruff Papers, accessed February 15, 2023, https://wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/p/KO9n)
December 22, 1856 ~ Monday
22nd we spent the fore part of the day in the Legislature I took dinner with the Presidency & Twelve & members of the Council I Attended the seventies meeting in the evening Elder O Hyde W. Woodruff L. Snow & F. D. Richards of the Twelve were present & a house full of the presidents of the 70s …
Elder O Hyde spoke then I followed & the spirit & power of God rested upon me like a Burning flame & so it did upon Brother Snow & Brother Richards as they spoke & we all advised the first presidents of the seventies to go forward & present a resignation of their Presidency to President Young & let some men take the place who could magnify it. Hancock & Z Pulsipher said they would & B L Clapp spoke
we had the spirit & power of God rest upon us like fire shut up in our bones & revealed many things unto us. I went home & I did not feel like going to bed I felt as though I wanted to set up & pray all night
(“Journal (January 1, 1854 – December 31, 1859),” December 22, 1856 – December 24, 1856, The Wilford Woodruff Papers, accessed February 15, 2023, https://wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/p/GZ9L)
February 22, 1857 ~ Sunday
22nd sunday I attended meeting at the Tabernacle. S. W. Richards spoke was followed by D. H. Wells W. Woodruff & Z. Pulsipher, the spirit of the Lord was with us & many good things were taught.
(“Journal (January 1, 1854 – December 31, 1859),” February 18, 1857 – February 22, 1857, The Wilford Woodruff Papers, accessed February 15, 2023, https://wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/p/2Rg1)
February 23, 1859 ~ Wednesday
23rd The Twelve met in the Prayer closset at the Historians Office at 1/2 [past] 120 there being present O. Hyde O. Pratt, W. Woodruff J. Taylor, G. A. Smith E. T. Benson C. C. Rich, Lorenzo Snow Erastus Snow F. D. Richards …
At a quarter to 12 oclck H. C. Kimball & D. H. Wells called
* H. C. Kimball said this ma[illegible]de me think of the time when I returned from England JosephJames [illegible]Foster ^was president^ & the presidency of the Seventies ^they^ had met with a seers stones to see what they could see when I went in they treated me vary cool & Z Pulsipher said dont be excited Brother Kimball is Nothing but a man, they treated me vary cooly & I went home and wept* The 12 all rose up & shook hands with them & recieved them Joyfully
O Hyde explained to Brothers Kimball & Wells what we had done, and would like to hear from them
Brother Kimball said I consider evry ruling man in the Church that has the Holy Ghost is a prophet seer & Revelator & he should have the spirit of that office
(“Journal (January 1, 1854 – December 31, 1859),” February 23, 1859, The Wilford Woodruff Papers, accessed February 15, 2023, https://wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/p/4841)
April 28, 1859 ~ Thursday
28 I worked in the garden in the morning & took my horses & waggon & carried a load of men to a meeting at Z. Pulsiphers House over Jordon on land business the company voted to survey about 200 Acres of land & divide it among those who had worked on the dam I sufferd much with the hed ake, had to retire to bed for several houres
(“Journal (January 1, 1854 – December 31, 1859),” April 27, 1859 – May 4, 1859, The Wilford Woodruff Papers, accessed February 15, 2023, https://wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/p/BgOX)
April 12, 1862 ~ Saturday
12 I spent the fore part of the day in the Endowment House. We gave Endowments to about 30 I sealed 15 couple.
at 1 oclok I went to the seventies Hall and attended the trial of Zera
Pulsipher, who had been sealing women to men without Authority. He was required to be rebaptized & had the privilege of Being ordained into the High Priest Quorum
I attended a feast at Brother & Sister Blackhurst with the Quorum of the Twelve & there wives.
(“Journal (January 1, 1860 – October 22, 1865),” April 8, 1862 – April 14, 1862, The Wilford Woodruff Papers, accessed February 15, 2023, https://wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/p/58Ov)
June 27, 1871
G. A. Smith spoke 17 M[inutes] President Young 45 M[inutes] we then took Dinner I went with Wilford to lay out a place to build a House, we then started & drove over the Mountain to Laketown 22 Miles
We held a Meeting in the Bowery the grass hoppers eat up all the grain in the place. Brother T W Elebeck opened By prayer President Young spoke 35 Minutes He said 27 years ago today Joseph Smith was Martered in Carthage Jail it will not be but a few years untill you will not find a man who herd Joseph Smith. G. A. Smith spoke 21 Minutes. I stoped with Brother Chena the Son of Elijah Chena the man that came with Brother Pulsipher when he Baptized me
(“Journal (October 22, 1865 – December 31, 1872),” June 27, 1871 – July 2, 1871, The Wilford Woodruff Papers, accessed February 14, 2023, https://wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/p/5y9K)
February 14, 1877 ~ Wednesday
14. I spent the day in the Temple
we Baptized for the dead 792
W Woodruff gave Seconed Anointing to 28 persons 10 for the dead & 18 for the living (David H Cannon 1, John Pimm 46, Anson P Winser 23 Willard G McMullin 3, Thomas Alman 1, Daniel Duncan McArthur 6, Marius Ensign 3, James Bird 2 John Pulsipher 3, his Mother & Father Zera Pulsipher dead and himself)
(“Journal (January 1, 1873 – February 7, 1880),” February 12, 1877 – February 16, 1877, The Wilford Woodruff Papers, accessed February 13, 2023, https://wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/p/KZmx)
March 14, 1878 ~ Thursday
Susannah Hart & Jerrusha were sealed to Philo Woodruff all dead. 29 single women of the Heart family all dead were sealed to Wilford Woodruff. W Woodruff was also sealed for 11 couple of the Hart family which was the first 12 Numbers of the Heart Record J. D. T. McAllister done the sealing.
We gave Endowments to 120, Ordained 48 Elders for the Dead. W Woodruff sealed 11 childrn to Zerah Pulsipher Dead and Mary Brow Pulsipher living W Woodruff gave 4 dead wives of J. D. T McAllister ther second Annointings. W Woodruff sealed 11 couple we gave 91 sealings, we gave 32 children to Parents
(“Journal (January 1, 1873 – February 7, 1880),” March 13, 1878 – March 15, 1878, The Wilford Woodruff Papers, accessed February 13, 2023, https://wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/p/mQN9)
Jan 20 1887
I finished my work in the Temple by being sealed for 26 couple of Dead friends of the Haart family. That is we were sealed for all that had their Endowments Wm H. Thompsons wife Emma were sealed for 6 couple
while at the Altar to night I had the following Reflection. Sixty years ^ago^ in 1827 I had a promise from the Lord that I should Live to have a Name & a place within the House of God, & within its walls as of sons and Daughter An Everlasting Name that should not be cut off. Six years after this promise I heard Zera Pulsipher An Elder in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Preach the first gospel ^sermon^ by authority I Ever heard in my ^life^ I offered myself for Baptism And my Brother Azmon & myself were the first two Baptised in oswego County New York. this was on the 31 day of Dec 1833. I have traveled with the Church since that day fifty four years And AnDedicated the st George Temple in 1877 and have presided over that Temple now for ten years and have held the keys for the redemption of my Dead, And through the Blessings of God and assistance of my friends have Redeemed almost Three Thousand of my Dead friends including the Woodruff Haart & Thompson family. I related this to Brother McAllister
& Thompson who were present
(“Journal (January 1886 – December 1892),” January 20, 1887 – January 24, 1887, The Wilford Woodruff Papers, accessed February 15, 2023, https://wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/p/r2yL)
The Pulsipher Papers Project 